Norris Tops Vegas Practice Amidst Manhole Cover Scare and Session Cuts

Lando Norris found his stride, topping the second practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, the session was significantly shortened by a precautionary check on a manhole cover, bringing back unwelcome memories of last year's chaotic debut.

Why it matters:

This incident, echoing the severe disruption of the 2023 Las Vegas GP, highlights persistent infrastructure concerns at the highly anticipated street circuit. For teams, the limited track time means less data for setup and strategy, potentially leveling the playing field and increasing the unpredictability of the weekend's racing.

The details:

• Norris's Pace: After a challenging start for McLaren, Norris clocked a 1:33.602, narrowly beating Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli by 0.029s. This pace is particularly notable given McLaren's initial concerns about the track not suiting their car.
• Incomplete Picture: The final timesheet comes with a major caveat: several key drivers, including Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, both Ferraris, and George Russell, did not complete their soft-tire runs due to the stoppages. This makes a true read on competitive order difficult.
• Manhole Cover Issue: The red flag first appeared with 20 minutes left, following a report of a possible loose cover near Turn 17. Despite checks, the session was re-stopped almost immediately after resuming, as race control personnel reported the cover moving when cars passed over it, leading to the session's effective end.
  • This is a direct parallel to the 2023 Las Vegas GP, where a loose drain cover heavily damaged Carlos Sainz's Ferrari and caused extensive delays.
• Leclerc's Trouble: In the limited running, Practice One pacesetter Charles Leclerc had to park his Ferrari with a suspected gearbox issue, adding to Ferrari's concerns despite his earlier strong performance.
• Practice One Overview: Leclerc led the first session with a 1:34.802. McLaren struggled initially, with Norris running off track and brushing the wall, though he still outpaced his teammate Piastri. Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, had even indicated a "tricky weekend" for the team.

The big picture:

The recurring manhole cover issue casts a shadow over the event, raising questions about track safety and preparation for a circuit that is a cornerstone of F1's expansion into the U.S. The lack of clean running for teams adds another layer of challenge to an already demanding street circuit.

What's next:

Further inspections on the manhole covers are underway, with the FIA needing to reassure teams and fans about track integrity. With limited practice data, qualifying and the race could be even more of a lottery, potentially setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. Teams will be relying heavily on simulation and quick adaptations to find performance.